Lawmakers propose turning social media settlement funds into youth mental health support

Michigan state Reps. Julie Rogers and Mike Mueller have introduced legislation to direct settlement money from Meta into a new trust fund for youth mental health services. The bill package, House Bills 6463 and 6464, aims to reinvest the at least $171 million Michigan is set to receive from a multi-state agreement with the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the settlement in August, citing allegations that Meta designed its apps with addictive features that harmed young people. The proposed legislation would create the Youth Social Media Settlement Fund within the Department of Treasury to manage these resources.

The Department of Health and Human Services would distribute grants for crisis intervention, after-school programs, mentoring, and other evidence-based services. The bill also mandates statewide planning and annual reporting to ensure the money supports the intended mental health goals.

Read the full story at michiganadvance.com.